February 20, 2024 – In a significant move towards cross-platform compatibility, Apple made a notable change last year by adopting the Type-C interface for its iPhone 15 series, aligning with the standard widely used by Android devices.
Concurrently, the tech giant introduced the AirPods Pro 2 with the updated C-port, yet surprisingly, the basic AirPods model remained untouched.
Now, reports suggest that Apple is gearing up to launch an all-new fourth-generation AirPods this year, ditching the Lightning port in favor of the universally compatible Type-C. Consequently, both the second and third-generation AirPods, which sport the Lightning interface, are expected to be phased out of production and sales.
Renowned journalist Mark Gurman adds that the upcoming AirPods are rumored to sport a refreshed design, offering a more snug fit and enhanced comfort along with improved sound quality.
Furthermore, the charging case for the fourth-generation AirPods is rumored to include a speaker, similar to the Pro version. This addition would enable users to play sounds through the Find My app, aiding in locating the case if misplaced.
However, it’s worth noting that active noise cancellation is unlikely to be included in the standard AirPods. This omission is attributed to the focus on comfort, as most noise-canceling earbuds require an in-ear design that may not offer a seamless wearing experience. Even Apple, with its advanced technology, faces challenges in achieving a truly seamless fit for noise cancellation. As for the semi-in-ear design, its noise-canceling capabilities are typically less effective compared to the in-ear variety.
